Actually, I think Hugo can assemble mail faster than a normal person can. his power would let him handle multiple rings at once, and threading them would be easier. Wouldn't need pliers to close the links either.

I wonder if he'd offer to fix some damaged mail for some one (rings that opened from battle damage and then fell out and without thinking "weld" the replacement rings.

that'd get noticed eventually and be *very* appreciated.

also, I could see him realizing that he doesn't need the impact resistance, just the puncture resistance and making himself a light mail shirt for use if he expects trouble of the stabby kind in his regular life.

Come to think of it, with his power he could stiffen sections as protection against blows too. Though that'd take practice and he'd have to be expecting the blow.